After Time Traveling, I was Forced to Marry a Wealthy Family

Mu Ci leaned over to examine the rings in the glass display case. He wanted to finish the selection quickly and escape this awkward situation. His gaze lingered on several diamond rings before settling on one in the middle.

“This one look good.” Mu Ci pointed through the glass, calling Gu Huai over to take a look.

Gu Huai leaned in and inspected the ring. It wasn’t excessively lavish, resembling a simple band, but it possessed subtle, intricate details, adding a touch of elegance to its simplicity.

Impressed, Gu Huai didn’t hold back his praise, giving a sincere thumbs-up. “It’s so beautiful; your taste is impeccable.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Ci smiled and said, “Thank you, but you should bring her to see it. After all, it’s meant to be worn by the couple.”

As Mu Ci smiled, sunlight outside illuminated his hair, leaving not only Gu Huai but also several store assistants momentarily captivated. They had never encountered such a graceful and elegant man, with hair that resembled flowing silk, appearing straight out of a painting as if he were the poet himself.

Once Gu Huai had seen enough, he grew irritated by the prolonged gazes. He cleared his throat and spoke with a deep voice, “Miss, please bring this out for us to examine.”

The clerk quickly snapped out of her reverie and retrieved the sample, introducing it with enthusiasm, “Sir, you have an excellent eye. This is a creation by designer Woods, one of his proudest works. It features a simple and elegant design, perfect for men.”

The clerk hesitated briefly before continuing, “It is a bit on the expensive side, but today in our store…”

Gu Huai waved his hand, produced his card, and handed it over. “We’ll take this, a pair of men’s rings.”

The clerk appeared surprised. Gu Huai’s marriage partner was another man?

Unfazed, the clerk maintained a friendly smile and inquired, “May I have your measurements?”

Gu Huai provided his measurements and glanced at Mu Ci, who was engrossed by the holographic display case in the store and not paying attention. Gu Huai took the opportunity to assess Mu Ci’s slim fingers and estimate his size.

“By the way, does your store offer custom engraving? I’d like to have a few words engraved on the inner band of the ring,” Gu Huai pondered for a moment and left his work number. “I’ll discuss it over the phone.”

“Of course…” The clerk took a peek at the name on the business card and appeared slightly surprised, then scanned the details. Her smile grew even warmer. “Mr. Gu, I’ll be looking forward to your request.”

Gu Huai nodded, slipped his left hand into his pocket, and casually rested his right hand on Mu Ci’s shoulder, saying with a smile, “Let’s go; it’s time to head back.”

Mu Ci shifted uncomfortably, avoiding the hand on his shoulder.

Gu Huai’s eyes darkened briefly, but the momentary cloud seemed to dissipate. He nonchalantly pursed his lips and walked out of the store.

.

As he pushed open the glass door, Mu Ci thought he overheard the store clerks whispering behind him: “The head of Hanhai Enterprises is getting married. Will it make headlines tomorrow?” “And he’s marrying a man; this is bound to be explosive!”

Mu Ci was left puzzled.

He turned around and found only a few shop assistants offering polite smiles through the glass, their faces appearing somewhat distorted, creating an eerie and surreal atmosphere. It felt just like when he first arrived in this world, always somewhat unreal.

Two days later, the wedding rings were delivered to the Gu family mansion. When Gu Huai opened the gift box, Bai Ling was right beside him, and the sight of two identical diamond rings nearly dazzled him.

Bai Ling was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped. It took him a while to ask, “Young Master Gu, why are you getting married so young?”

“Young? I’m already twenty-eight.” Gu Huai replied, peering at the wedding ring with interest. The inner band was engraved with their initials in a floral pattern, making it a unique ring for them.

Gu Huai couldn’t help but feel proud. A man’s small, thoughtful gestures could always be endearing. If he didn’t believe in Mu Ci, he wouldn’t have taken this step.

Bai Ling persistently corrected, “You’re only twenty-eight. Look at you, talented and handsome, with a car and a house. Why rush into marriage?”

“I’m five years older than him, that’s almost a generation gap,” Gu Huai retorted, rolling his eyes in an old-fashioned manner. “I really don’t understand what young people are thinking these days. If we wait any longer, we won’t be in the same age group.”

Bai Ling was taken aback and nearly stumbled. He exclaimed, “But Young Master Gu, there’s more than just a two-generation gap between you. It’s like the Brahmaputra River, more than a 600-year-old canyon!”

“Hmm?” Gu Huai suddenly raised his eyes, his aura turning icy, and his tone taking on a dangerous edge. “Do you have objections, Butler Bai?”

“…I wouldn’t dare,” Bai Ling hastily replied.

Gu Huai continued to examine the two diamond rings. After a while, Bai Ling tentatively asked, “Young Master Gu, are you serious this time?”

“Does it look fake?” Gu Huai responded calmly.

“No, no!” Bai Ling stammered, “In the past, you’ve had many flings and admirers. This Mu Ci must feel like a pet to you.”

Gu Huai, without raising his head, continued toying with the wedding ring in his hand, and spoke with a calm demeanor, “If you have the time, strengthen the mansion’s security and refrain from making baseless comments about my private life here.”

Bai Ling was horrified and snapped to attention. “Yes, I’ll attend to that right away.”

“And…” Gu Huai’s voice remained as calm as ever. “If you dare let words like ‘lover’ and ‘pet’ reach Mu Ci’s ears, I’ll tear your mouth to shreds.”

Bai Ling was taken aback, hastily opened the study door, and fled.

He bolted out, stumbling and tumbling, and for a moment, he was blinded and collided with Mu Ci at a corner.

Bai Ling was so startled that he quickly supported the future CEO’s wife and repeatedly inquired, “Are you okay? Where did you hit? Does it hurt? I didn’t mean to. Please spare my life!”

Mu Ci touched the red bump on his forehead, gazing at him in bewilderment.

“I’m fine, how about you? Are you hurt?”

Bai Ling breathed a sigh of relief, holding Mu Ci’s hand as if he’d encountered a fellow compatriot in a foreign land and welled up with gratitude. “Thank goodness you’re okay. If Young Master Gu finds out, he’ll skin me alive!”

Mu Ci remained perplexed and was about to speak when Bai Ling asked, “What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”

Mu Ci answered truthfully, “Gu Huai called me here. He said he had something for me.”

“Something for you?! He’s in such a hurry?!” Bai Ling looked taken aback.

Mu Ci was startled and stammered, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, just be mentally prepared when you go in,” Bai Ling patted Mu Ci’s shoulder solemnly, gave him a meaningful look, swallowed the words “madam” that were on the tip of his tongue, and departed in silence.

Mu Ci stood there; his mind filled with question marks.